Why is the soleus more emphasized in the seated raise than the standing raise?

The soleus muscle is more emphasized in the seated calf raise because of its anatomical position and function. When seated, the knee is flexed, which reduces the involvement of the gastrocnemius muscle, allowing the soleus to take on a greater role in plantarflexion. In contrast, during standing raises, the gastrocnemius is more engaged due to its dual functionality at the knee and ankle joints, leading to less isolation of the soleus. Thus, the seated position effectively targets the soleus more directly.